On May 14, 2014, at 5:00 pm, the Education and Student Services Committee of the Vancouver School Board (Committee III) will be meeting to discuss the Draft Revised Policy and Regulations: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities (ACB and ACB R-1) (The “Draft Policy”).

The Policy was published by memo dated April 10, 2014, with the intention of bringing it to the Board for voting on May 20, 2014.

No notice of the Policy was given to parents, and there has been no meaningful consultation with parents or the medical and mental health professions.

PACIS.ca is a group of parents that have concerns about the policy, the lack of notice or consultation with parents and the medical profession, and the impact it could have on the rights of parents to be kept informed by the school about medical and mental health issues affecting their children.

PACIS.ca is NOT “against” Trans people or the LGBTQ+ Community, and much mis-information is being spread around to suggest that parents who have concerned about the Policy are. We are not against “a” policy. We are only saying “this” policy needs further work before being adopted.

PACIS.ca cares and supports ALL children regardless of race, religion, mental or physical capacity, appearance, sexual orientation or gender identity.

We want to see an end to all bullying and harassment so that all families and their children to feel welcome in school and be able to participate free from discrimination and harassment on any grounds.

Transgendered Policy...sparks heated debate - Vancouver Sun ( May 30 2014)Note: This article inaccurately states: "Things became heated, with Chang at one point threatening to call the police to remove the students in the face of what she said amounted to bullying and threatening behaviour. The meeting ended with the PAC voting to retract the letter.”For the record: “I did not threaten to call the police to remove any students. At one point, I asked the Vice Principal if I should call the police because of concerns I had resulting from threatening and intimidating behaviour of some adults in the gym. Also, there were only 138 “parents” signed in to the meeting and over 250 people in attendance. Thus, over 100 people refused to leave the gym and allow the “parents only” meeting to proceed. What was intended to be an opportunity for real consultation was thwarted by people who bragged about “crashing” the meeting on Facebook.” Cheryl Chang